Remember way back to a few weeks ago when the media was nutso about China's oppressive government restrictions? Anticipation of competition seemed ancillary to that of Internet snooping, limitations on protesting, and pollution issues. ESPN's Jim Caple suggested then, that we should look introspectively at our country's policies before deeming ourselves virtuous. Acknowledging, like we all should, that China's relations with Darfur are deplorable, Caple reminds us that our own foreign policies are far from rosey. Working with journalists throughout the Olympics, I did not get the impression that anyone felt legitimately stifled. We covered events, asked questions, and wrote stories with complete immunity.

Cut to the ongoing Republican National Convention in St. Paul. Caple's suggestion, in fact, was fully appropriate. With journalists covering the circus-like convention being gassed, roughed up, and arrested by military forces for conspiracy to riot, the RNC makes Beijing look like a First Amendment foreign embassy.

Previously in staunch support of all brands of fear-mongering, I do not support this instance as it's being used to unjustly suffocate the pen and pad.

Glen Greenwald is all over it.